Title
AN ACT CONCERNING PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYMENT DECISIONS for the purpose of protecting the eligibility of applicants for uniformed public safety positions who disclose prior legal marijuana use.
Background
This legislation prohibits the County Police and Fire/EMS departments from automatically disqualifying certain candidates solely for a positive pre-employment drug test for cannabis/marijuana. Specifically, this legislation addresses applicants for uniformed positions such as police officer and firefighter within Prince George’s County. This bill expands upon legislation passed by the Council in 2023 prohibiting employers from asking candidates, including those for public safety positions, about previous consumption of cannabis or marijuana (CB-090-2023). This bill seeks to ensure that fitness determinations for public safety positions are made holistically, and quality candidates receive due consideration.